Veterans Hall of Fame
The Ohio Department of Veterans Services recently announced the members of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2020.
These 20inductees will be honored for their accomplishments and achievements at the 29th annual Induction Ceremony in November for their post-military service. This stellar class of candidates represents 16 Ohio counties and four military branches. Gove. MikeDeWine unveiled the class at his press briefing on September 15, duringwhich time he praised their accomplishments.
The 2020 OhioVeterans Hall of Fame Inductees are: Paul G. Butler, Navy, Clinton County; David W. Chilson (Posthumous Award), Navy, Wood County; Richard D. Ellsworth, Army, Licking County; Timothy A. Espich, Army/OANG, Clark County; KimberlyD. Frisco, AirForce, GreeneCounty; William C. Graybill, Army, Brown County; Glenn H. Grismere, Army, Warren County; Kenneth P. Jakubec, Marine Corps, Mahoning County; Thomas J. Jenks, Army, Cuyahoga County; James D. Kaster, Army, Cuyahoga County; Daniel R. Kirkpatrick, AirForce, GreeneCounty; Babe Kwasniak, Army, Cuyahoga County; DavidC. Lange, Navy, CarrollCounty; JaneM. Lengel, Army/ OANG, Franklin County; David G. Meyer, PhD, PE, Air Force, Montgomery County; Carolyn E. Nagy, Army, Lucas County; Connie Pillich, Air Force, Hamilton County; David M. Ridenour, Army, Wood County; James P. Schear, Navy, Stark County; Alan R. Wallace, Navy, Fairfield County.
In lieu of a traditional Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, ODVS representatives and members of the Ohio VeteransHall of Fame Executive Committee will make arrangements with honorees and their families to present their medals and certificates in person – and in a safe environment. The department also will produce a virtual induction “program” that will debut on Nov. 5. Stay tuned to OhioVets.gov in the coming weeks
for more information.
The Class of 2020 was chosen from among 136 nominations. This year’s class joins 895 Ohio veteranswhohave been inducted since 1992 and represents all eras, branches of service, and walks of life.
The OhioVeterans Hall of Fame was established in 1992 by former Gov. George Voinovich to recognize the post-military achievements of outstanding Ohio veterans. Charter members of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 1992 include the six Ohio veterans who were elected President of the United States as well asMedal of Honor recipients from Ohio. Honorees
of the past 28 years include astronauts, entrepreneurs, volunteers, community leaders, safety officers, veteran advocates, and government officials.
Themembersof the OhioVeterans Hall of Fameare honored in a permanent display near the Ohio Statehouse at the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, 77 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Veterans Services on behalf of and in collaboration with the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Executive Committee administers the OhioVeteransHall of Fame. Comprised of 13 veteran volunteers, the Executive Committee members
serve as advisors to the Hall of Fame and their primary purpose is to select up to 20 honorees annually.
Bios and photos of the 2020 Class will be available at OhioVets.gov in October 2020.
Formore information, call 614644-0898, email HallOfFame@ dvs.ohio.gov, or visit the Hall of Fame website.